The Government will launch Ireland's six-month Presidency of the European Union at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

Follow live coverage as the Government prepares to launch Ireland's six-month Presidency of the European Union later today.

The latest public sector pay deal has officially expired and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.

The world's oceans experienced their hottest June on record and could set fresh highs in the months ahead as El Niño and climate change drive temperatures even higher, scientists have said.

The referee who was the victim of an alleged assault on Monday evening is scheduled to officiate a game in Clare this evening, despite suffering a cut lip during the incident.